Week 37 Snapshot

Week Thirty Seven: Baby is full term

You are 37 weeks pregnant. (fetal age 35 weeks)
Typically, baby now measures 19.5 inches (50 cm) from the head to the heel.
Baby weighs up to 7 pounds or 3 kilograms.
The head diameter is over 3.5 inches (9cm).
The water could break at any time.
If it does happen, see a doctor immediately.

Gaining one ounce per day, your baby is growing rapidly. Keep up those exercises, especially your Kegels. Keeping your pelvic floor muscles toned will aid in a quicker recovery from the birth. An elbow, foot or head may protrude from your stomach when baby stretches and squirms about. Soon, as the wall of your uterus and your abdomen stretch thinner and let in more light, your baby will begin to develop daily activity cycles.

Even though you are three weeks from your due date, you are now considered full term. In most cases, nothing will be done to stop your labour once it starts, even if it is before your 40th week. You may notice a bit more vaginal discharge and/or cervical mucus.

If you go into labor at this point your careprovider will not try to stop it. So what are the signs that your labor may be starting?

Regular contractions that grow longer, stronger and closer together.
Contractions that are not affected significantly by a change in your activity level.
A trickle or gush of fluid from your vagina.
A regular, rhythmic backache.

If you have any of these signs, contact your doctor/careprovider immediately.

(Babies between 37 and 42 weeks are considered full-term -- a baby born before 37 weeks is premature and after 42 is post-term.)

Have you packed a bag ready for the birth ?